Overview
NEW - Mongolia's Winter Camel Festival
Asia
9 days
8 nights
12 people
Easy
History & Culture
Prepare to be swept away on a winter adventure through Mongolia, where ancient nomadic traditions thrive. From the spirited celebrations of the annual winter Thousand Camel Festival, with its competitions and pageantry, to a fossil-hunter's paradise at the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, you'll be immersed in a world far removed from the modern age. Marvel at colossal monuments to Genghis Khan and explore national parks where whimsical rock formations surround serene Buddhist temples. Stay in a winter-equipped ger camp under star-spangled skies, and trek along glacial canyons where frozen waterfalls stand forever still.
Travel with Purpose: Visit a local project that is reintroducing the Takhi, a species of wild horse.
We also offer a trip to Mongolia in the Summer.
Highlights
- Join the revelry at the Thousand Camel Festival—taking in camel polo matches, the best-looking-camel contest, and more.
- Unearth prehistoric wonders at the fossil-rich Flaming Cliffs.
- Explore Gandan Monastery in the company of a Buddhist Lama.
- Visit a local project that is reintroducing the Takhi, a species of wild horse.
- Spend a night in a winter-equipped Ger Camp in a stunning national park.
Desert skies, nomad life, and festivals in Mongolia.
Day 1
Welcome to Mongolia
Sain uu! Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia. After a private transfer to your hotel in the centrally located neighborhood of Bayangol, take some time to relax after your long journey before getting together with your fellow intrepid travelers in the early evening for a welcome dinner of traditional Mongolian dishes.
Welcome to Mongolia
Sain uu! Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia. After a private transfer to your hotel in the centrally located neighborhood of Bayangol, take some time to relax after your long journey before getting together with your fellow intrepid travelers in the early evening for a welcome dinner of traditional Mongolian dishes.
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Bayangol Hotel or similar, Ulaanbaatar
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Welcome Dinner
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Bayangol Hotel or similar, Ulaanbaatar
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Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Spiritual Awakening
Wake up in Ulaanbaatar and fuel up for a morning spent delving into Mongolia's rich Buddhist heritage at the illustrious Gandan Monastery. A Lama guide will provide illuminating insights into daily life here, as you wander the sacred grounds where over 150 monks reside. Grab lunch at the airport and hop on a short flight to Dalanzadgad. Upon arrival, your driver will whisk you away to your hotel, leaving the evening free to unwind over a delicious dinner at a traditional local restaurant, energized for the adventures that lie ahead in the Gobi's ethereal realm.
Spiritual Awakening
Wake up in Ulaanbaatar and fuel up for a morning spent delving into Mongolia's rich Buddhist heritage at the illustrious Gandan Monastery. A Lama guide will provide illuminating insights into daily life here, as you wander the sacred grounds where over 150 monks reside. Grab lunch at the airport and hop on a short flight to Dalanzadgad. Upon arrival, your driver will whisk you away to your hotel, leaving the evening free to unwind over a delicious dinner at a traditional local restaurant, energized for the adventures that lie ahead in the Gobi's ethereal realm.
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Local Hotel, Dalanzadgad
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Local Hotel, Dalanzadgad
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Desert Dreamscapes & Fossil Hunting
Kick off the day amid the undulating Moltsog sand dunes, their golden slopes punctuated by pockets of snow—a desert dreamscape. Connect with local camel herders, glimpsing their nomadic ways over a home-cooked lunch. Then, it's off to the famed Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, where you'll tread in the footsteps of paleontological pioneers. After exploring the informative museum, follow well-trodden trails for an hour-long hike into this fossil hunter's paradise that's yielded wonders like the legendary ‘fighting fossil,’ depicting a Protoceratops locked in mortal combat with a Velociraptor. As evening falls in Dalanzadgad, savor local flavors for dinner before being swept up in the revelry of a camel herders' singing contest, and an impromptu dance party.
Desert Dreamscapes & Fossil Hunting
Kick off the day amid the undulating Moltsog sand dunes, their golden slopes punctuated by pockets of snow—a desert dreamscape. Connect with local camel herders, glimpsing their nomadic ways over a home-cooked lunch. Then, it's off to the famed Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, where you'll tread in the footsteps of paleontological pioneers. After exploring the informative museum, follow well-trodden trails for an hour-long hike into this fossil hunter's paradise that's yielded wonders like the legendary ‘fighting fossil,’ depicting a Protoceratops locked in mortal combat with a Velociraptor. As evening falls in Dalanzadgad, savor local flavors for dinner before being swept up in the revelry of a camel herders' singing contest, and an impromptu dance party.
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Local Hotel, Dalanzadgad
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Local Hotel, Dalanzadgad
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Thousand Camel Festival
Get ready to experience the lively spectacle of Mongolia's annual Thousand Camel Festival today. This vibrant celebration champions local crafts, community and heritage, with exhibitions showcasing exquisite camel wool products and ancient petroglyphs. Prepare for an array of entertaining events—from camel polo matches and the grand camel parade, where locals showcase their finest beasts, to the best looking camel (and human couple) competition and fashion shows dedicated to fine cashmere apparel. Between the lively festivities, savor camel milk delicacies and admire displays of unique snuff bottles crafted by local artisans. As the first day of the festival draws to a close, enjoy an adorable concert put on by the village school children.
Thousand Camel Festival
Get ready to experience the lively spectacle of Mongolia's annual Thousand Camel Festival today. This vibrant celebration champions local crafts, community and heritage, with exhibitions showcasing exquisite camel wool products and ancient petroglyphs. Prepare for an array of entertaining events—from camel polo matches and the grand camel parade, where locals showcase their finest beasts, to the best looking camel (and human couple) competition and fashion shows dedicated to fine cashmere apparel. Between the lively festivities, savor camel milk delicacies and admire displays of unique snuff bottles crafted by local artisans. As the first day of the festival draws to a close, enjoy an adorable concert put on by the village school children.
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Local Hotel, Dalanzadgad
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Local Hotel, Dalanzadgad
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Camel Rodeo
Brace yourself for another rip-roaring day at the Thousand Camel Festival! The action kicks off with more pint-sized jockeys racing their fuzzy steeds across the desert sands. But the real thrills await in the camel skill contests, where hardened nomads showcase their legendary talents. Watch in awe as they effortlessly load entire gers onto the beasts' sturdy backs, or lasso and mount ornery bulls—a true test of brawn and bravery! The pageantry continues as lavishly bejeweled camels strut their stuff in hopes of claiming the ‘fairest camelid’ crown. As dusk falls, gather for the climactic awards ceremony and closing festivities, celebrating these "ships of the desert" and the nomadic culture they enable.
Camel Rodeo
Brace yourself for another rip-roaring day at the Thousand Camel Festival! The action kicks off with more pint-sized jockeys racing their fuzzy steeds across the desert sands. But the real thrills await in the camel skill contests, where hardened nomads showcase their legendary talents. Watch in awe as they effortlessly load entire gers onto the beasts' sturdy backs, or lasso and mount ornery bulls—a true test of brawn and bravery! The pageantry continues as lavishly bejeweled camels strut their stuff in hopes of claiming the ‘fairest camelid’ crown. As dusk falls, gather for the climactic awards ceremony and closing festivities, celebrating these "ships of the desert" and the nomadic culture they enable.
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Local Hotel, Dalanzadgad
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Local Hotel, Dalanzadgad
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Frozen Wonders
Venture into the otherworldly Mukhar Shivert Gorge, where nature's icy artistry awaits. A short but scenic hike unveils towering rock formations enclosing a remarkable year-round glacial flow. Marvel at the vast trench, its floor blanketed in glassy blue ice crafted over eons. At the gorge's end, a breathtaking frozen waterfall stands still amongst the frosty wonderland. After reveling in the glacial splendor, refuel over a hearty local lunch in Dalanzadgad. Then, it's off to the bustling capital Ulaanbaatar, where you'll trade tales of Gobi marvels over a lively group dinner—the perfect finale to this day of frozen enchantment.
Frozen Wonders
Venture into the otherworldly Mukhar Shivert Gorge, where nature's icy artistry awaits. A short but scenic hike unveils towering rock formations enclosing a remarkable year-round glacial flow. Marvel at the vast trench, its floor blanketed in glassy blue ice crafted over eons. At the gorge's end, a breathtaking frozen waterfall stands still amongst the frosty wonderland. After reveling in the glacial splendor, refuel over a hearty local lunch in Dalanzadgad. Then, it's off to the bustling capital Ulaanbaatar, where you'll trade tales of Gobi marvels over a lively group dinner—the perfect finale to this day of frozen enchantment.
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Bayangol Hotel or similar, Ulaanbaatar
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Bayangol Hotel or similar, Ulaanbaatar
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue
Behold the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue today —the world's largest equine statue. This 40-meter steel beast depicts the legendary Genghis Khan astride his mighty steed, facing eastward toward his birthplace as the sun's first rays crest the horizon. Ascend into the statue's chest, traversing its neck to the horse's head, where panoramic vistas of the Tuul River Valley and Khan Khentii Mountains unfurl. Pause for a locally-flavored lunch. Then it's off to Terelj National Park, a wonderland of granite peaks, forested slopes, wildflower meadows, and whimsical rock formations. Follow trails to the meditation temple perched above the valley, affording breathtaking views. Bed down in the national park tonight in a ger camp with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue
Behold the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue today —the world's largest equine statue. This 40-meter steel beast depicts the legendary Genghis Khan astride his mighty steed, facing eastward toward his birthplace as the sun's first rays crest the horizon. Ascend into the statue's chest, traversing its neck to the horse's head, where panoramic vistas of the Tuul River Valley and Khan Khentii Mountains unfurl. Pause for a locally-flavored lunch. Then it's off to Terelj National Park, a wonderland of granite peaks, forested slopes, wildflower meadows, and whimsical rock formations. Follow trails to the meditation temple perched above the valley, affording breathtaking views. Bed down in the national park tonight in a ger camp with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
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Tourist Ger Camp, Terelj National Park
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Tourist Ger Camp, Terelj National Park
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Conquering Ulaanbaatar's Treasures
Return to the capital, Ulaanbaatar, today to learn more about Mongolia’s most famous ruler. After refueling with a local lunch, you'll step into the newly built Chinggis Khaan Museum, a treasure trove housing over 10,000 original exhibits spanning from the Hun Empire to the dawn of the 20th century. Marvel at the artifacts that once adorned the lives of kings and nobles across Mongolia's nomadic states. Then, ascend to the Zaisan Monument, a towering communist-era relic emblazoned with murals celebrating the friendship between the USSR and Mongolia—all while taking in panoramic vistas of the city below. Enjoy some leisure time this afternoon before regrouping tonight for a farewell dinner celebrating your Mongolian escapades with your fellow adventurers.
Conquering Ulaanbaatar's Treasures
Return to the capital, Ulaanbaatar, today to learn more about Mongolia’s most famous ruler. After refueling with a local lunch, you'll step into the newly built Chinggis Khaan Museum, a treasure trove housing over 10,000 original exhibits spanning from the Hun Empire to the dawn of the 20th century. Marvel at the artifacts that once adorned the lives of kings and nobles across Mongolia's nomadic states. Then, ascend to the Zaisan Monument, a towering communist-era relic emblazoned with murals celebrating the friendship between the USSR and Mongolia—all while taking in panoramic vistas of the city below. Enjoy some leisure time this afternoon before regrouping tonight for a farewell dinner celebrating your Mongolian escapades with your fellow adventurers.
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Bayangol Hotel or similar, Ulaanbaatar
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Bayangol Hotel or similar, Ulaanbaatar
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Farewell
Our epic journey comes to an end today. Should you wish to spend more time exploring Mongolia’s myriad of wonders, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Mongolia for itinerary inspiration. Bayartai until our next adventure!
Farewell
Our epic journey comes to an end today. Should you wish to spend more time exploring Mongolia’s myriad of wonders, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Mongolia for itinerary inspiration. Bayartai until our next adventure!
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Breakfast
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Breakfast
What is included?
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Accommodations throughout the trip.
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Most meals (as described in the itinerary).
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Transportation (as described in the itinerary), including airport transfers.
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Admission/entry to activities (as described in the itinerary).
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AO Trip Leader throughout the trip.
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Special access to AO places and experiences (as described in the itinerary).
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All gratuities (not including AO Trip Leader).
What is not included?
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Flights to and from destination.
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Pre-/Post-trip accommodations.
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
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Visas and passport fees.
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Meals outside of those described (including most alcoholic beverages).
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AO Trip Leader tip.
Upcoming departures
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Jan 30 - Feb 7, 2025Price
Additional info
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Traveling Solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $740 USD.
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Traveling Solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $740 USD.
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Activity level
This tour has an easy activity level. Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to three miles over the course of each day in warm weather, and occasionally going up and down stairs.
Activity level
This tour has an easy activity level. Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to three miles over the course of each day in warm weather, and occasionally going up and down stairs.
Arrival & Departure
Ulaanbaatar International Airport (UBN) connects to a range of flight hubs in Asia. The best flight connections are offered by MIAT (the Mongolian National Airline) and Turkish Airlines.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Arrival & Departure
Ulaanbaatar International Airport (UBN) connects to a range of flight hubs in Asia. The best flight connections are offered by MIAT (the Mongolian National Airline) and Turkish Airlines.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Have more questions?
Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip or our general FAQs.
Any questions about this trip? Don't hesitate to reach out
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Send us a
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Have a question for us about NEW - Mongolia's Winter Camel Festival ? We're here to help!
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Trip inquiry
Have a question for us about NEW - Mongolia's Winter Camel Festival ? We're here to help!
-
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
-
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.